Ch. 2: A Train To Catch

Author's note: Second chapter of my RE story. And I don't own RE. Capcom does. These 8 new characters are still mine. Enjoy!

A/N: Re-edited 4/26/10

" " talking

Thinking

Final Edit (Character Name Change): 2/23/2021

Ever since they saw the copter malfunction, the teens made their way through the unfamiliar forest. They had started at a jog. But they soon ran into a problem. Daniel was in the lead with Jessica covering the rear. As he navigated through the forest, he was stopped when everything became pitch black. He glanced skyward and found the problem. A storm was rolling in. And one of the clouds was now between them and the moon. Without moonlight, they could barely see past their hands.

"I guess we have to stop for a bit," Bart declared.

"No," Daniel argued. "We need to get there as soon as possible. If we don't make it in time, things'll only get worse."

"Sims, we can barely see," Tim countered.

"Just be careful." He started walking. The others reluctantly followed him. Barely a minute a later, the steady sound of leaves swaying with the wind was broken when Bart tripped and fell face first into the ground. The soldier swore as he stood up.

"You okay, Bart?" Shantia asked.

"We really should stop." Before Daniel could argue, the entire forest seemed to light up as the cloud moved away.

"Let's go," Daniel commanded. Once again, the group jogged through the dark wilderness. Mother Nature decided that seven minutes of light was more than enough for the youngsters, throwing another cloud between them and the moon.

Katelyn peered at Daniel. "Are you going to insist that we keep going?"

"Yes."

Fate insisted otherwise. After walking over some distance, Daniel's foot caught on a branch for a split-second. He nearly fell to the ground, but regained his balance. Too bad his forward momentum carried him straight into a tree.

"Ow."

"Sims, face facts. We can't get anywhere like this," Jessica told him. Daniel muttered something under his breath, but they didn't try moving again, until after they had moonlight to guide them.

Unfortunately, it didn't last long. Daniel growled in frustration. "At this rate, we'll never reach the train in time!"

"Train? I thought we were heading for the copter?" Tim questioned.

"When we reach the copter, we are going to search for weapons and anything useful. Afterwards, we're going to look for a wrecked MP vehicle. From there, we head to the train." Daniel explained. "The train is where Bravo Team will be. At least, two of its members. They'll help us get through tonight."

"Why not get the stuff and just head for the city?" Bruce asked quietly.

"Because my plan will be saf-" Daniel stopped himself. He was about to say safer, but that wasn't true. Compared to all the Training Facility's traps and monsters, the wandering packs of zombie dogs would be much less dangerous. Although, they would be in the company of Billy and Rebecca, those two would have enough trouble protecting themselves. "Don't worry about it."

"He has a good point. And I'd rather be safe than sorry," Bart threw in.

"Because it will help us out in the long run. And we need to help some people along the way." Daniel argued. Plus, although he would never admit it, he was fascinated by the idea of fighting alongside the real Billy and Rebecca. Not to mention, he would actually be involved in the games. Something most fans only dreamed of.

"I'm all for helping others, but we need to be smart about this. We've already had one close call," Shantia said.

"Trust me. If we follow my plan, I'll be able to predict what will happen, where it will, and when. If we head for the city I won't have that advantage," Daniel warned them.

"You're saying that we have to trust your notorious memory. When was the last time you played this game?" Tim questioned.

"It's been...a while. But my memory is as good as it was then." He reassured.

"How can you be sure of that?" Bart added.

"I predicted the copter crash, didn't I?"

Bart didn't argue, but he was still hesitant of Daniel's plan along with a couple of others.

"I'm fine with it as long as I get to kill zombies," was Jessica's input. Everyone gave her a weird look, even Daniel. That's probably not going to help my argument.

"Don't worry; I won't force anyone to do anything dangerous. If need be, everyone, except me and Jessica, can stay in the safe areas."

"Do you even know where the safe areas are?" Bart persisted.

"Yes, when we get to the mansion, the first room we enter is a big foyer or something like that. No monsters ever come in, guaranteed."

Bart was thoughtful about it. "As long as I don't have to get too involved in your reckless plans."

Moonlight signaled them that it was time to move. Daniel hoped they would reach the copter before any more clouds rolled in. Fate didn't feel like agreeing with him. In a second, their path was cut off.

"Argh! We're running out of time!"

"Hey, chill man. We'll get there soon enough," reasoned Tim.

This didn't stop Daniel from worrying. The longer they took the less chance they had of saving Bravo team. And he had every intention of saving every one of them. Besides that, there was always the danger of the wondering packs of zombie dogs. If only there was some way to light the way. If I only knew this was going to happen. Would've brought a flashlight…and a rocket launcher. Better yet, would've brought an entire arsenal.

Then he noticed Bruce playing on his cell phone. Daniel frowned. This isn't the best time to playing video games, even if we are in another video game. Then he noticed the cell phone's light. It gave him an idea.

Quickly, Daniel pulled out his own cell phone and flipped it open. As usual, the little light in the phone turned on. He pointed toward the ground. It was only able to illuminate a foot in front of him, but it was better than nothing. He glanced at the others; they had already caught on. They started to form a line around him.

"Bruce," called Daniel. The named teenager looked up, noticed what was happening, and joined in. Then they moved on. With their limited sight, they could only move at a slow walk. Still, it's better than waiting on the moon to come out, thought Daniel. As if on cue, the clouds parted. Fate just loves to screw around with me.

Aloud, he said," Close them; we'll need to save the power." With cell phones secured, Daniel switched back to a light jog. I hope we find the copter soon. Better yet, I hope we find it period. It's not like I have a map of this forest. Before he could finish his train of thought, they entered a clearing. The same clearing was currently occupied by the copter. Relief pervaded the group as they came to a stop.

"Hold it!" Someone yelled at them. The group froze. Out of the copter came, none other than, Kevin Dooley, the doomed pilot of Bravo team, with a handgun aimed at the group. Kevin looked them over. Daniel could easily imagine the confused look that must be on the man's face. I can't blame him. I wonder how I would react if three soldiers with five teenagers suddenly popped out of nowhere in the middle of a forest. Especially considering that the forest is supposed to be closed from the general public.

"Identify yourselves!" He commanded.

Time to use my cover story. "Sir, I'm PFC Sims of the 287th Transportation Company. We need help. We were attacked by the cannibals. They wrecked our cars and chased us into the forest." Since one of the theories behind the Raccoon Forest murders was cannibals, Daniel thought it would be prudent to add them to his story. I mean, who was going to believe in zombies without seeing them for themselves? Daniel felt the others staring at him. Should have told them the cover story, Daniel realized. I can only pray they're smart enough to go with it.

"Who are they?" Kevin demanded, motioning to his friends.

Daniel began with Jessica who stood right behind him. "That's Jessica a friend of mine from high school." After her, he began pointing around the group starting from his right and working around. "Those two are PFC Carnes and Askew. They're from my unit and high school. The big one is Tim, the girl is Katelyn, his girlfriend, and the tall one is Bruce, Tim's cousin. They also come from my high school."

"Seven teenagers from the same high school?" Kevin restated disbelievingly. It looked like the cover story could've used more work… a lot more work. "How did all of you wind up out here?"

"We were having a family day with our unit. Basically, it's a barbecue with family and friends on a day off. We were supposed to be there yesterday, but we got lost along the way."

"What do you mean 'we'?" Daniel turned to Jessica in surprise. "You were leading the way in your car. You got us lost." Jessica interrupted. Daniel nearly grinned. Jessica was getting into it.

"Anyway our cars ran out of gas, while we were trying to find a road out. Then we were attacked and we've been running around in the forest since. Can you please help us?" Daniel pleaded.

Kevin still didn't look convinced. "Why aren't any of you injured?"

My cover story apparently has a few gaping holes. "Pure luck, sir. They don't carry any guns. In fact, I think they've all lost it. They kept acting like zombies straight out of a movie. One grabbed and tried to bite me, but my friends pulled me out of there and we ran for it," To further persuade the pilot, Daniel pointed at the set of teeth marks on his boot.

"Do you have any I.D.?" Kevin replied cautiously.

Well here goes. Umm, God, could I have a little help here? Daniel prayed as he pulled out his military I.D. and gave it to Kevin. He kept his thumb over the dates, but then Kevin took it. Kevin then put his thumb over the dates. Daniel silently relaxed. After a minute, Kevin handed the I.D. back, satisfied.

"I'm Kevin Dooley, co-pilot for STARS Bravo Team. Do you have any information on the suspects?"

"Plenty, but I should speak to your Captain. Do you know where he is and do you have any spare weapons and items for us?"

"What makes you think I'm going to let a bunch of teenagers carry loaded weapons?" Kevin countered.

"Hey!" Shantia interrupted. "We might be teenagers, but us three," she continued, waving an arm over herself, Daniel, and Bart, "are honest-to-God soldiers of the United States Army. We've already trained with M16s with live-fire rounds. And I'm telling you, I'm not going another second without some kind of protection! I don't know about you, but I'd rather not be eaten alive!"

Kevin (and everyone else) was caught off-guard by her sudden outburst. "You tell 'im!" Jessica encouraged.

Kevin was silent for a couple of moments before pointing at the downed copter. "If it weren't for this situation, I'd never let youngsters like you use those things. And," he continued while glaring at Shantia. "May I remind you that I am a Law Enforcement officer and will be treated with respect." He jerked a thumb toward the copter. "There are two back-up Berettas in there with a couple of flashlights. Only you three," Kevin pointed at the soldiers, "can use them."

"Any medical equipment?" Daniel added.

"An emergency first aid kit should be under one of the seats."

Daniel motioned for the others to collect the gear. "Which way did your unit go?"

"That way." Kevin gestured in one direction. "They shouldn't be too far away. You can go on and check in with my superior, Captain Enrico. Then come straight back here. I'd rather radio him, but whatever crippled my bird damaged the radio too. Your friends will stay with me."

"I don't think that's a good idea. Traveling alone is just asking for it."

"I'm already offering you a handgun."

"Sir, with all due respect, these cannibals might be insane, but they're not stupid. And they know the terrain very well. I might end up walking into an ambush."

"Alright then. Take one of your soldier buddies."

"I think it'll be safer if everyone goes together. It'll be much safer that way."

"It would be, but it's unnecessary."

"Sir, I don't think you understand how serious the situation is. There's not only the cannibals to worry about, but they also have a pack of starving, attack Dobermans. We narrowly dodged them by hiding in the trees. That nearly failed; thankfully they started chasing after a deer that got too close." Kevin was quiet, busy weighing this new information. "Instead of splitting up and getting taken out one by one, we should move as a single unit."

Kevin glanced at the copter. "If what you're saying is true, then we'll need back-up."

Daniel, who thought he'd been making progress, didn't like this new turn in the conversation. "Without a doubt."

"Then I know what I need to do. I need to focus on repairing the radio." He focused his eyes on Daniel. "Take your friends and hook up with Bravo Team. Warn them of the situation. The Captain will know what to do."

The soldier paused, mentally reviewing arguments that would convince the pilot to come with them. "How long will it take it to fix the radio?"

Kevin hesitated. "It might be awhile," he admitted.

"Then your best bet is to come with us to find the others. Then everybody can come back and guard you while you do your job. It's our best option."

As Kevin mulled the idea over, Daniel peeked over his shoulder. The others had finished up their task and were now watching the exchange. "We're wasting time," Kevin decided. "I need to get started on the radio and all of you need to catch up the Bravo team."

Damn. "Yes, sir."

As Daniel joined the others, Kevin whispered to him. "Please hurry," he pleaded in a quiet, but anxious voice. Daniel nodded.

"We have everything from the chopper." Shantia reported.

"Then, let's move. I'll be up front with. Bart, you're in the back." As the group formed up, the flashlights were turned on. And they were off again. As soon as they were out of Kevin's sight and hearing range, Daniel looked at Bart. "Bart, give Jessica the gun."

"Huh? But you said-"

"I know, but that was for Kevin's sake and Jessica seen more zombie movies than you have. Even if they weren't Resident Evil she knows better than you. So, hand it over."

"Has she even fired a gun before?" Bart protested.

Jessica grinned. "A bunch of times. Shooting cans is a great stress reliever." Grumbling, Bart handed it over to Jessica. Jessica, who was angry about not getting the gun earlier, let out a loud "Yippee!" And threw Bart a raspberry. That didn't improve Bart's mood.

Kevin

As Kevin went back to work on the copter, he kept one eye out on the surrounding area. Although he knew the area wasn't safe when he first "arrived", now the forest actually seemed to be gripped in a foreboding atmosphere. He paused, taking a tentative step toward the group. Again, he paused, shook his head, and walked back to the copter. If I see any warning signs, I'll run after them.

Coincidentally, there was rustling in the nearby bushes."Who's there?" He yelled. No answer. With his gun locked onto the bushes, he slowly walked toward them. When he reached them, he shoved his gun into them, yelling, "Freeze!" Something leapt at his face.

Travelers

They had been running for a minute, when they all heard Kevin scream, which was accompanied by gunfire. Silence followed. I always thought he was attacked right before Alpha team arrived; which is why they were attacked soon after the discovery. But if he's being eaten now, that means the z-dogs are close. Too close.

"Shouldn't we go back," Katelyn whispered.

Daniel gritted his teeth. "We don't have the firepower," he confessed. "Run!" The group put on a burst of speed, aided by the fear flowing through their veins. Unfortunately, the group had yet to arrive at the crash site. I guess the MP vehicle wasn't as close to the copter as everyone thinks. Why would Capcom bother wasting time and money showing Bravo team walking through the forest for the sake of authenticity? That would also explain why Alpha team never saw the MP vehicle. They simply never saw it before the z-dogs attacked.

After running for who knows how long, they finally found the overturned vehicle. No one else was there besides the bodies of the two soldiers. They had missed them again. Hopefully, they were catching up to the STARS members.

"What now?" Tim asked.

As if answering him, the two dead soldiers reanimated. "Jessica!" Stepping right next to him, Jessica aimed with Daniel doing likewise. "Aim for the heads."

"Duh!" Was Jessica's reply. Just as the zombies turned toward them, the pair pulled their triggers.

Correction, they tried to pull the trigger. After a moment of confusion, they realized the safety was on. Jessica quickly turned her safety off. However, in his haste, Daniel forgot where the safety was. Plus, his hands were sweaty from all that running. So, as he jerked the gun to the side, it slipped from his hand. "Whoops!"

It sailed right through the air passing right in front of Jessica's face, who stepped back out of surprise. She ended up tripping on a fallen branch behind her. As quickly as they could, they scrambled for their weapons and took aim. Meanwhile the zombies steadily limped closer, uncomprehending the stupidity taking place in front of them. Everybody else started backing away. Jessica fired and hit the first one right between the eyes. Daniel pulled the trigger, but the safety was still on. Jessica was about to fire when he stopped her.

"No! I got him." Jessica glared at him, but obeyed. Daniel finally turned off the safety. With a firmer grip, Daniel swung the gun up as he aimed. It was unnecessary. As he swung up, the zombie lunged forward to take a bite. Instead of biting Daniel's neck; the zombie bit the barrel of the gun. Daniel, finally, pulled the trigger. The back of the zombie's head exploded. It dropped to the ground. Everybody was real quiet.

"That was so COOL!" Jessica exclaimed. Everybody gave her the well-deserving "you're-crazy" look.

Jessica grinned back at them. Then she glanced at Daniel, who was really quiet and staring at the body in front of him.

"You okay?"

"In the game, all you had to do was press a few buttons. Things are so much more complicated. And these monsters...they used to be people. It all seems so unfair to them." It was a sobering thought.

"Hey," she put a hand on his shoulder, "believe me, you're doing these people a favor by killing them...again." Daniel gave her a weird look. "Don't give me that look, you know I'm right."

"Yeah, that's what makes it so weird." He took a deep breath and relaxed. This isn't the best time to be pondering about philosophical quandaries. Then he was back to business. "Alright, search the humvee and the bodies. Hurry up, we don't have much time."

Two teens frowned at him, but they had no choice other than to follow his lead. While they did that, he did his best to figure out which way Rebecca went. He found the tell-tall slime on the humvee from the cutscene. Next, he found the empty briefcase. But, now he was at a dead-end. Worse, the fog was getting thicker. The rest of the group came to him with their findings, which included: two flashlights, a first aid spray, but best of all two M16s with five extra magazines and a map of Raccoon Forest.

Daniel took one M16 and three magazines. He looked at Shantia and Bart. "What were you're weapon scores?"

"Mine was 25," Shantia answered.

"31."

"Here, you take rear guard," Daniel said as he handed Bart the second M16. To Shantia, he gave her his handgun. Afterwards, they studied the map. While Daniel was a bit rusty with his map reading skills, Bart remembered enough to help them find their next destination, and even the mansion's location. Hoping it was the last time, the group ran toward the train. Luckily, the tracks soon came into sight… but not the train. The dark clouds finally decided to drop all the rain they had been carrying. Sensing glares coming from behind him, Daniel stepped forward onto the tracks. To his right, there was nothing. However, on his left down the tracks aways was the train, still and unmoving. He motioned the others to come up. They, too, saw the train.

"So...who's ready to play the game?" Daniel asked quietly and rhetorically. No one said a word whether out of worry and fear, or embarrassment from his stupid one-liner, he wasn't sure. But together, they started walking toward a fate possibly worse than death. As they neared it, shots rang out from within the train.

The door to safety is shut...

There is no turning back.